Mechanical toy



March 14, 1939. F. J.ISONHEIM MECHANICAL TOY Filed Dec. 50, 1937 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 March 14, 1939. F J. SONHEIM 2,150,465

MECHANICAL TOY Filed Dec. 30, 1937 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Mar. 14, 1939 UNITED STATES MECHANICAL TOY Frank J, Sonhcim, Chicago, Ill., assignor of onehalf to Ellwood F. Whitchurch, Chicago, Ill.

Application December 30, 1937, Serial No. 182,390

8 Claims.

This invention relates to a mechanical toy and has special reference to a toy which is operated by an actuating mechanism in a regular and continuous manner after being initially set in motion.

More particularly, this invention relates to a mechanical toy for resting on a supporting surface including an actuating mechanism for normally urging a rotatable means in one direction with controlling means for engaging the rotatable means and resisting the movement thereof during movement of the toy into one position and for releasing the rotatable means during movement of the toy into a second position, the movement of the rotatable means upon release thereof operating upon the controlling means therefor to cause a lifting engagement of the controlling means with the supporting surface for providing the impetus to move the toy.

The present invention contemplates the provision of a mechanism in combination with an article to be set in motion wherein, for example, should the article be a rocker, it will accomplish a rocking motion in a smooth manner without the attendant jerks occasioned ordinarily in the use of mechanical means. In other words, a substantially normal overcoming of the force of momentum of the rocker in each direction will be accomplished.

The present invention is incorporated in a figure toy as well as in a rocker, although the mechanism is described in detail in its association with the latter. A bucking broncho and a kicking donkey shown herein may be operated successfully by the structure to be hereinafter recited in detail as well as an infinite variety of animated toys. The drawings are therefore merely illustrative of the operation of the invention and are not to be considered as limiting the designs of the structure.

It is also contemplated in the present invention to provide such a structure as will not permit operation of the actuating means or motor when the device is picked up from the supporting surface. In the usual type of animated structure of which applicant has knowledge, there is nothing to resist automatically the movement of the actuating mechanism when the structure is picked up from the supporting surface and the actuating mechanism will continue to operate unless provided with some incidental manual means accomplishing the action of a brake.

In the present construction the member which controls the resisting and releasing of the actuating means has a further function, in and of itself, of being operated by the construction it controls to impart motion to the toy. As will hereinafter be more particularly apparent, an arm, preferably gravity-weighted, although a re siliently operated means may be substituted, extending from the toy for contact with the supporting surface during predetermining positions of movement of the toy, resists the movement of a rotatable member normally urged to rotate in one direction by the actuating mechanism and releases the rotatable means, the movement of the rotatable means upon release thereof operating the arm to cause a lifting engagement thereof with the supporting surface for imparting movement to the toy. Thus the arm has the dual function of controlling the operation of the actuating means and is, inturn, operated by the actuating means to impart movement to the toy.

One of the objects of this invention is to provide an actuating mechanism for a mechanical toy of the type indicated above wherein a regular and continuous movement will be imparted to the toy in various animated forms.

Another object of this invention is to provide a mechanical rocker of the type hereinabove described which may be economically manufactured, is simply operated, and is durable.

A'still further object of this invention is to provide a mechanical toy of the type indicated above wherein the toy may be lifted from a supporting surface without a continuation of operation of the actuating mechanism, movement thereof being resisted by automatic means.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will hereinafter be more particularly pointed out, and for a more complete understanding of the characteristic features of this invention, reference may now be had to the following description when taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which latter:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a mechanical rocker incorporating the features of this invention;

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of a bucking broncho with rider, likewise incorporating the features of this invention, the assembly being shown in changed position in dot and dash lines;

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2 of a kicking donkey, also incorporating the features of this invention;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view partially in section of the actuating mechanism and associated parts of the construction illustrated in Fig, 1 showing one position of movement of the rocker on which it is shown as being mounted;

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4 showing a changed position of the rocker; and

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 5 showing a still further change of position of the rocker.

Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to Figs. 1 and 4 to 6, inclusive, thereof,

the device of this invention is shown as being incorporated on a mechanical toy comprising a chair it] supported on a pair of spaced rocker members H. The chair in the instance of the drawings is of the usual type although, of course, it is to be understood that any type of device such as a crib, cradle and the like, that necessitates a rocking motion for its operation, may be substituted therefor.

A housing l2 formed preferably of sheet metal or of a casting is disposed adjacent to the rockers l I and may be secured thereto or to the chair in any usual manner such as by means of screws 53 passing through ears M. The provision of a metal housing is desirable for the purpose of providing a satisfactory bearing for the moving parts of the actuating mechanism.

The actuating mechanism in the instance of the drawings is shown as being a coil spring 15, one end it of which is shown as being attached to a stationary part of the housing with the other end being secured to a winding shaft I! which latter extends through suitable apertures in opposed spaced walls 18 of the housing l2. A gear I9 is mounted on the winding shaft I! and is fixed thereto for rotatable movement therewith. The gear l9 engages and operates a pinion 20 which latter is fixedly mounted on a stud shaft 2| extending through apertures in the opposed side walls l8 of the housing 12.

A star wheel 22 is likewise mounted on the stud shaft 2! and is fixed thereto for rotation therewith. In the instance of the drawings. the star wheel is shown as having four points, 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d,- although it is to be understood that any desired number of points may be employed consistent with the desired operation of the rocking device. The star wheel is normally urged to rotate in one direction by the spiral spring I5, the spring being wound to store energy to drive the gear 19 and thereby the pinion 29. The star wheel 22, however, is prevented from continuous operation excepting in accordance with the controlling means 23.

The controlling means 23 preferably comprises an arm 24 having a forked extension 25. The forked extension 25 is pivotally mounted on a stud shaft 23a, the latter extending between the opposed walls of the housing 12. and-through apertures serving as bearings therefor. The controlling member 23 may in effect be a gravityweighted arm, that is,'the force of gravity tending to urge the arm into a position such that it approximates the vertical. While it is not necessary that the arm be actually free to fall into such a position since it would normally be actuated into such a position or may be assisted thereinto by resilient means it is, however, desirable that this condition exists.

The forks 25a and 25b of the extension 25 are spaced and the space is sufficiently deep to accommodate the length of the points of the star wheel 22 during the normal rotation of the star wheel. drawings, one of the points of the star wheel rests against the outside of the fork 25a in a position such that the force exerted by the point 22a of the star wheel is directed substantially radially toward the pivotal axis of the control- In the position shown in Fig. 4 of the ling means 23. In this position, movement of the star wheel is arrested or completely resisted and the torque exerted by the spring i5 is overcome. The end of the arm 24 engages the supporting surface 21 although the arm may be lifted clear of the supporting surface when the rocker is in substantially the maximum limit of movement in a forwardly direction and the momentum of the rocking action of the rocker in that direction has been spent.

Referring now to Figure 5 of the drawings, a movement rearwardly of the rocker is shown with the arm 24- in engagement with the supporting surface, the forked extension 25 having been rotated to a position such that the fork 25a. is about to disengage the point 22a of the star wheel 22 and release the star wheel so that it may be rotated by the actuating mechanism.

Referring now to Figure 6, the star wheel has been released by the disengagement of the fork 25a of the extension 25 from the point 22a of the star wheel 22 and the star wheel has begun its initial rotary movement and has engaged the fork 25b preparatory to imparting movement to the arm 24. The pivotal movement of the arm 24 by the actuation of the star wheel 22 moves the rocker in a forward direction tothe position shown in Figure 4, the next adjacent point 25d of the star wheel having been engaged by the movement of the control member or arm 24 to such a position that the fork 25a is in the path of movement of the point 25d of the star wheel.

In the operation of the construction just described, the winding shaft lfi may be rotated by means of a key or the like to wind up the spring for storing the energy necessary to actuate the star wheel 22. Under normal conditions of rest the arm 24 will be in an intermediate position wherein the fork 25a of the controlling means 23 holds the star wheel against movement. In order to initiate operation of the rocking device, a simple movement of the rocking chair in a direction rearwardly will cause an initial release of the star wheel imparting pivotal movement to the controlling member 24 which, in turn, gives impetus tothe rocker in a forward direction. The rocker will carry on after this initial impetus until the force of momentum is overcome by the weight of the chair or other device mounted on the rockers whereafter it will rock backwardly until the arm 24engages the supporting surface and is pivoted to such a position that the fork 25a disengages the point of the star wheel 22 which is preferably timed so that a full backward swing of the rocker is obtained.

Afterrelease of one of the points of the star wheel from the fork 25a, the same point will carry on to engage the fork 25b to pivot the arm 24- in a direction against the supporting surface 21 and thus provide an impetus for moving the rocker to a forward-position. After such initial impetus the succeeding point of the star wheel is engaged by the fork 25a so that no further operation of the actuating means is obtainable until the arm 24 is again pivoted.

Referring now more particularly to Figure 2 of the drawings, a bucking broncho is shown employing the same mechanism which is previously described in connection with Figures 4 to 6 inclusive. lines corresponds to the housing i2 of the previously described mechanism and contains the same operating parts. The arm 24a, corresponding to the arm 24- in the previously recited mechanism, is operated by such mechanism as has The housing l2a shown in dotted a been above referred to and in exactly the same manner. In a normal position of rest, the arm 24a acts as the front support for the figure of the horse.

The bucking broncho 26 may be formed in any suitable manner although as illustrated in the drawings it may comprise a single sheet of metal, cardboard or the like, folded over the housing I2a to form two sides which register in a spaced relation. The two sides of the horse are, of course, secured to the opposed sides of the casing |2a in any suitable manner and the registering hind legs 2'! of the horse are spaced preferably a suflicient distance apart so that a pair of spaced wheels 28 may be secured thereto and, together with the arm 24a, form a three-point support for resting on a supporting surface. It

is of course to be understood that the wheels or rollers 28 may be omitted with the horse resting directly on the legs 21 although for the purposes of freer movement and so that the toy may not mar finished surfaces, the wheels 28 may preferably be employed and are formed of rubber, fiber or the like.

In order to afford a greater fascination, the horse may be provided with a rider 29 formed l kewise of a single sheet of a substantially rigid substance such as fiber board, metal, or the like, the figure, when bent over, having two spaced sides so as to straddle the horse and have free movement thereon. The arms 30 of the rider may preferably be pivotally secured to the neck of the horse as at 3| so that when the horse is given an impetus through the actuating mechanism, the rider may have movement relative to the horse and in effect bounce up and down on the horses back as the horse rocks up and down on its hind legs.

It also may be desirable to have the fore legs of the horse pivotally joined together and pivotally joined to the horse at the points 32 and 33, respectively, so that with rocking movement of the horse the fore legs will be free to pivot and thus add animation.

Referring now more particularly to Figure 3 of the drawings, the mechanism previously recited in connection with Figures 4 to 6, inclusive, is housed within spaced sides of a donkey 34, the housing for the mechanism being indicated in dotted lines by the numeral l2b. The donkey may be formed of a single sheet of rigid material such as cardboard, sheet metal, or the like, folded over so that the spaced registering sides may be secured to the opposed sides of the housing of the actuating mechanism. The fore legs 35 are preferably spaced for supporting the forward end of the donkey and may preferably have a pair of.

rubber or disc wheels 36 secured thereto in a spaced relation for providing together with the arm 24?) a three-point support for the donkey.

The arm 24b is actuated in the same manner as the arms 24a and 24 of the previously described mechanisms to rock the donkey on its fore legs (-25. With this rocking movement the hind legs 31 of the donkey may be pivoted as at 38 to impart a kicking motion.

While several embodiments of this invention are herein shown and described, it is to be understood that various modifications thereof may be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention and, therefore, the same is only to be limited by the scope of the prior art and the appended claims.

I claim.

1. A mechanical toy for resting on a supporting surface including an actuating mechanism mounted thereon, means rotatably mounted on said toy and being normally urged to rotate in one direction by said actuating mechanism, and a gravity weighted arm pivotally mounted on said toy for engaging said rotatable means and operating by the force of gravity to resist the movement thereof during movement of said toy into one position and for releasing said rotatable means during movement of said toy into a second position, the movement of said rotatable means upon release thereof pivoting said arm therefore to cause a lifting engagement of an outer end of said arm with said'supporting surface for moving said toy.

2. A mechanical toy for resting on a supporting surface including an actuating mechanism mounted thereon, means rotatably mounted on said toy and being normally urged to rotate in one direction by said actuating mechanism, and

an arm having a forked extension pivotally mounted on said toy, one of the forks of said extension engaging said rotatable means and resisting the movement thereof during movement of said toy into one position and releasing said rotatable means during. movement of said toy into a second position, the movement of said rotatable means upon release thereof pivoting the other of the forks of said extension to cause a lifting engagement of said arm with said supporting surface for moving said toy.

3. A mechanical toy for resting on a supporting surface including an actuating mechanism mounted thereon, a star wheel rotatably mounted on said toy and being normally urged to rotate in one direction by said actuating mechanism, and means movably mounted on said toy for en gaging said star wheel and resisting the movement thereof during movement of said toy into one position and for releasing said star wheel during movement of said toy into a second position, the movement of said star wheel upon release thereof operating upon the controlling means therefor to cause a lifting engagement of said controlling means with said supporting surface for moving said toy.

4. A mechanical toy for resting on a supporting surface including an actuating mechanism mounted thereon, a star Wheel rotatably mounted on said toy and being normally urged to rotate in one direction by said actuating mechanism, and an arm pivotally mounted on said toy for engaging said star wheel and resisting the movement thereof during movement of said toy into one position and for releasing said star wheel during movement of said toy into a second position, the movement of said star wheel upon release thereof pivoting said arm to cause a lifting engagement of said arm with said supporting surface for moving said toy.

5. A mechanical toy for resting on a supporting surface including an actuating mechanism mounted thereon, a star wheel rotatably mounted on said toy and being normally urged to rotate in one direction by said actuating mechanism, and an arm having a forked extension pivotally mounted on said toy, one of the forks of said extension engaging one of the points of said star wheel for resisting the movement of said star 'wheel during movement of said toy into one posito cause engagement of said arm with said supporting surfacefor moving said toy.

' 6. A mechanical toy for resting on a supporting surface including an actuating mechanism mounted thereon, a star wheel rotatably mounted on said toy and being normally urged to rotate in one direction by said actuating mechanism, and a gravity-weighted arm having a forked extension pivotally mounted on said toy, one of the forks of said extension engaging one of the points of said star wheel by force of gravity on said arm to resist the movement of said star wheel during movement of said toy into one position and for releasing said star wheel during movement of said toy into a second position, the movement of said star wheel upon release thereof operating the point thereof against the other of the forks of said extension to cause a lifting engagement of said arm with said supporting surface for moving said toy.

7. A mechanical toy for resting on a supporting surface comprising a housing having a spring wind-up motor mounted thereon, a star wheel rotatably mounted on said housing and being normally urged to rotate one direction by said motor, and a gravity-weighted arm having a forked extension pivotally movably mounted on said housing, one of the forks. of said extension engaging one of the points of said star wheel by force of gravity-on said arm to-resist the move ment of said star whee1 during-movement of saidtoy into one position andfor releasing said star Wheel during movement of said toy into a sec--' ond position, the movement of said star wheel upon release thereof operating the point thereof against the other of the forks of said extension to cause a lifting engagement of said arm with said supporting surface for moving said toy.

8. A mechanical toy comprising a housing mounted on rockers for resting on a supporting surface, an actuating mechanism mounted in said housing, means rotatably mounted in said housing and being normally urged to rotate in one direction by said actuating mechanism, and

means movably mounted in said housing for engaging said rotatable means and resisting movement thereof during movement of said housing on saidrockers into oneposition and for releasing said rotatable means during movement of said housing on said rockers into a second position, the movement of said rotatable means upon release thereof operating upon-the controlling means therefor to cause a lifting engagement of said controlling means with said supporting surface forrocking said toy on said rockers.

' FRANK J. SONHEIM. 

